When the Nebraska Game & Parks needed to find vendors to create promotional items for its 100th anniversary celebration, GROW Nebraska provided solutions.
“GROW Nebraska’s experience has helped us make connections with Nebraska-based businesses,” said Margot DesRocher, Nebraska Game and Parks reservation program manager and volunteer coordinator. “We know any vendors they refer us to meet GROW Nebraska’s high standards, which has been a real benefit to us.”
In 2021, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is celebrating 100 years of inspiring outdoor adventures at its state park system. As part of the celebration, the commission wanted to order branded bottle openers and t-shirts for consumers to purchase.
“When looking for resale vendors, the Nebraska Game and Parks strives to support Nebraska businesses whenever possible,” DesRocher said.
She contacted GROW Nebraska’s product marketing coordinator and was referred to RCK Creations & More of Alda for the bottle openers.
“After Clarissa put us in touch with RCK Creations, they were able to provide several great options for what we were looking for with a quick turnaround time,” DesRocher said.
RCK created magnetic wooden bottle openers that are etched with the Nebraska State Parks centennial logo.
“This unique, limited edition item is light, compact, and will be right at home in your kitchen or with your camping gear,” DesRocher said.
So far, the commission ordered 150 of the bottle openers, which are sold at select park locations across the state throughout 2021.
The parks commission also partnered with another GROW Nebraska member, Lou’s Sporting Goods (Nebraska Sports Ind. Inc.), to create the “I Heart Nebraska State Parks” t-shirts.
Lou’s Sporting Goods/Nebraska Sports is based in Fremont and has six locations across Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus and two in Fremont) and one in Wichita, Kan.
Some Nebraska State Park locations are also using the pine green shirts as uniforms for their seasonal staff.
“Both RCK and Lou’s Sporting Goods have been phenomenal to work with,” DesRocher said. They have great products, outstanding service, and a real knowledge of their customer base that helps us make informed choices on ordering product designs and quantities.”
Merchandise is currently only available it park gift shops but we hope to have more online by the end of 2023!
“We are always looking for a good collaboration,” DesRocher said. “Parks are the gateway to the outdoors, and we cherish the responsibility of being stewards of the outdoors and leaving a legacy for others to build upon. If there is a company whose product can help us share that passion, we’d love to join forces!”
Story by Kristine Jacobson, GROW Nebraska member and owner of KRJ Public Relations, a business that helps non-profits and businesses tell their stories and gain momentum through blogs, newsletters, annual reports, social media and other publications.